parasympathetic

American  

[par-uh-sim-puh-thet-ik] / ˌpær əˌsɪm pəˈθɛt ɪk /

adjective

Anatomy, Physiology,

1. pertaining to that part of the autonomic nervous system consisting of nerves and ganglia that arise from the cranial and sacral regions and function in opposition to the sympathetic system, as in inhibiting heartbeat or contracting the pupil of the eye.

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parasympathetic British  

/ ˌpærəˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk /

adjective

1. anatomy physiol of or relating to the division of the autonomic nervous system that acts in opposition to the sympathetic system by slowing the heartbeat, constricting the bronchi of the lungs, stimulating the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, etc Compare sympathetic

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Etymology

Origin of parasympathetic

First recorded in 1900–05; para- ¹ + sympathetic

Example Sentences

A cold plunge can even result in a brief euphoric feeling as your body switches from the parasympathetic to sympathetic nervous system.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

By engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, the team observed that inflammation could be eased by inhibiting SUMOylation, a cellular process that shapes immune response.

From Science Daily • Nov. 20, 2024

But for many, the sympathetic nervous system is out of balance with the parasympathetic nervous system, which, along with the vagus nerve, works to calm the body.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2024

The vagus nerve is the key player in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the “rest and digest” system that calms the body during times of low stress.

From Scientific American • Jul. 4, 2023

It requires just a bit of time, a mirror and some positive affirmations — and a 2017 study found it to be an impactful self-compassion exercise that soothes the parasympathetic nervous system.

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2023